On August 9 (Moscow time), according to TASS news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that Moscow does not accept the option of "freezing" the Ukrainian conflict without resolving the causes of the conflict.
According to Mr. Galuzin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly affirmed that a ceasefire or "freeze" status can only be temporary if the core issues of the crisis remain. Therefore, Russia believes that the ultimate goal must be a long-term solution, rather than just stopping fighting for a short time.
Mr. Galuzin also accused the Kiev government of trying to increase tensions. The Russian official specifically mentioned the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacks, which he said were aimed at energy infrastructure and works related to the Caspian Pipeline Corporation (CPC) in July and August.
The CPC transports oil from Kazakhstan through Russian territory to the Black Sea coast for export. According to Mr. Galuzin, this system plays an important role in the Kazakhstan economy. Therefore, he believes that attacks targeting CPC-related facilities not only affect Russia but can also affect Kazakhstan's economic interests.
From this argument, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister called on the US and European countries to influence Kiev to prevent actions that he called "terrorism". He also mentioned that US and European oil companies are holding shares in the CPC.
Moscow's message, according to Mr. Galuzin, is that the Ukraine conflict needs to be resolved in the direction of creating a long-term security system in Europe and the Eurasian region. Russia believes that just stopping fighting without addressing security disagreements will not guarantee a sustainable peace.
Mr. Galuzin emphasized that Russia is seeking to achieve this goal within the framework of a special military operation in Ukraine. Russian officials also affirmed that regional security must take into account the interests of all parties, rather than just serving one side.
Security exists for everyone, or does not exist for anyone," Mr. Galuzin said.
